Multi-Frequency Sensing Method and Apparatus Using Mobile-Based Clusters

ABSTRACT

The systems and methods described relate to the concept that smart devices can be used to 1) sense various types of phenomena like sound, blue light exposure, RF and microwave radiation, and 2) in real-time analyze, report and/or control outputs (e.g., displays or speakers). The systems are configurable and use standard computing devices, such as wearable electronics, tablet computers, and mobile phones to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and/or adjust environmental conditions.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/155,919, filed Oct. 10, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/862,304, filed Sep. 23, 2015, which claims priority from U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 62/054,286, filed on Sep. 23, 2014, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention and its embodiments relate to audio manipulation and sound management systems, particularly for home audio systems, public address systems, sound reinforcement systems, vehicle audio systems, ultrasonic transducers, infrasonic transducers, electro-optical transducers, microwave transducers, and associated software for these applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Each year sound companies spend billions of dollars on audio technologies and audio research to find new ways to improve audio quality in performance settings. Very often sound systems are designed to be used in a specific environment. For example, in a vehicle or private room setting, audio manipulation and output quality techniques and technologies are either prescriptive or adaptive—neither of which require the need for audio engineering professionals. However, in other situations such as at a concert venue, a wide array of audio professionals must be employed. This can include monitor engineers, system technicians, and front-of-house engineers. These professionals operate mixing consoles and audio control units to produce desirable, high-quality audio output.

Whether prescriptive or adaptive, manned or unmanned, perceived sound quality is a function of complex transducer-based technologies and acoustic treatment that are typically controlled, managed and manipulated by humans, and/or audio software and hardware. As such, both human and physical capital are required to produce first-rate sound quality. However, even when the necessary human and capital has been spent, it can still be very difficult to effectively manage audio outputs in real-time. This is due to improper calibrations of signal propagation and signal degradation, as well as unwanted harmonics and soundwave reflections.

Particularly in an outdoor setting, single-source sound systems typically produce an intermittent mix of unintelligible sounds and echoes due to a given venue's size and openness. A popular solution for addressing the echo issue is to utilize distributed sound systems. Traditional distributed sound systems are less susceptible to sound variance than single source systems. However, even when these distributed systems are used, temperature gradients and wind can still steer sound in undesirable ways.

Another issue related to the size of a performance venue is when audio and video fall out of sync. As live musical performances become more and more elaborate by including digital art and screens on-stage, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reliably sync audio and video in large venues, due to highly reverberant surfaces and long decay times.

Also impacting audio intelligibility during a live performance is crowd noise. At a live event, it is not uncommon for crowds to generate noise approaching 105 dB. When this occurs, audio engineers must manipulate the supporting sound system output so that the performance audio remains 5-8 decibels higher than the noise generated by crowd. This action results in performance sound being broadcast above 110 dB, the range where the volume of sound begins to pose danger to human listeners. Frequently, audio system operators find it difficult to granularly control the loud perception of a given individual listener while managing loudness perception for the remainder of the audience. In a case where an audio quality trade-off decision has to be made, a common industry practice is to execute a remediation plan that favors the majority of listeners while the minority of listeners are forced to suffer through it.

In other instances, when various pieces of audio equipment are slightly, or completely out-of-phase, it can be difficult for audio system operators to correct these out-of-phase issues in a short period of time.

A myriad of audio functions are necessary to provide a dynamic range of audio playback and fidelity. To meet heightened demands and address new challenges, the devices of today will not only have to handle traditional telephony voice communication and low-fidelity voice recording, but also, these devices must be capable of incorporating new hardware and software to create new functions and applications such as sensing infrasonic, ultrasonic, blue light and millimeter wave exposure and reporting, and in some cases, autonomous manipulation of audio outputs. Further, such demands create the need to process signals using ‘low-loss’ methods by moving much of the processing function away from hardware and into software optimized to do so.

Review of Related Technology:

Line6, Inc. has created a ‘smart mixing system’ for non-wearable ubiquitous computing devices that enables wireless and touchscreen control of live sound system components. This is accomplished via a wired connection between standard audio hardware and a proprietary physical interface. While this system integrates and controls live sound system components via touchscreen devices, it unfortunately relies on audio engineers to operate it, and does not incorporate a listener-centric way to autonomously solve audio issues experienced by an audience.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,884 pertains to an audio enhancement system and method of use with a sound system for producing primary sound from at least one main loudspeaker located at a main position. The audio enhancement system comprises at least one wireless transmitter, time delay circuitry, and plural augmented sound producing subsystems. Each sound subsystem is a portable unit arranged to be carried by a person located remote from the main loudspeaker and includes a wireless receiver and an associated transducer device, e.g., a pair of stereo headphones. The transmitter broadcasts an electrical signal which is representative of the electrical input signal provided to the main loudspeaker. The broadcast signal is received by the receiver and is demodulated and amplified to drive the transducer so that it produces augmented sound substantially in synchronism with the sound arriving from the main loudspeaker. To achieve that end the time delay circuitry delays the electrical signal which is provided to the transducer for a predetermined period of time corresponding generally to the time period it takes for the primary sound to propagate through the air from the main loudspeaker to the remote location at which the person is located.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,991,171 pertains to a method and apparatus for processing an audio signal in multiple audio frequency bands while minimizing undesirable changes in tonal qualities of the audio signal by determining an initial gain adjustment factor for each audio frequency band resulting from the application of an audio processing technique. A final gain adjustment factor for each band is selected from a corresponding set of weighted or unweighted initial gain adjustment factors. The set of initial gain adjustment factors from which the final gain adjustment factor for a specified audio frequency band is obtained is derived from other audio frequency bands that have the frequency of the specified band as a harmonic frequency. Changes in audio signal level within one audio frequency band thereby affect the signal level of harmonic frequencies to decrease relative changes in volume between a fundamental frequency and its harmonics.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,315,398 pertains to a method of adjusting a loudness of an audio signal may include receiving an electronic audio signal and using one or more processors to process at least one channel of the audio signal to determine a loudness of a portion of the audio signal. This processing may include processing the channel with a plurality of approximation filters that can approximate a plurality of auditory filters that further approximate a human hearing system. In addition, the method may include computing at least one gain based at least in part on the determined loudness to cause a loudness of the audio signal to remain substantially constant for a period of time. Moreover, the method may include applying the gain to the electronic audio signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,432 pertains to a user-friendly system for real time performance and user modification of one or more previously recorded musical compositions facilitates user involvement in the creative process of a new composition that reflects the user's personal style and musical tastes. Such a system may be implemented in a small portable electronic device such as a handheld smartphone that includes a stored library of musical material including original and alternative versions of each of several different components of a common original musical composition, and a graphic user interface that allows the user to select at different times while that original composition is being performed, which versions of which components are to be incorporated to thereby create in real time a new performance that includes elements of the original performance, preferably enhanced at various times with user selected digital sound effects including stuttering and filtering. The system may also optionally comprise a visualizer module that renders a visual animation that is responsive to at least the rhythm and amplitude of the system's audio output, not only for entertainment value but also to provide visual feedback for the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,594,319 pertains to methods and apparatuses for adjusting audio content when more multiple audio objects are directed toward a single audio output device. The amplitude, white noise content, and frequencies can be adjusted to enhance overall sound quality or make content of certain audio objects more intelligible. Audio objects are classified by a class category, by which they can be assigned class specific processing. Audio objects classes can also have a rank. The rank of an audio object's class is used to give priority to or apply specific processing to audio objects in the presence of other audio objects of different classes.

United States Patent Publication No.: 2007/0217623 pertains to a real-time processing apparatus capable of controlling power consumption without performing complex arithmetic processing and requiring a special memory resource. The real-time processing apparatus includes an audio encoder that performs a signal processing in real time on an audio signal, a second audio encoder that performs the signal processing with a smaller throughput in real time on the audio, an audio execution step number notification unit that measures step number showing a level of the throughput in the signal processing by operating the 1st audio encoder or second audio encoder, and an audio visual system control unit that executes control so that the first audio encoder operates when the measured step number is less than a threshold value provided beforehand and the second audio encoder operates when the step number is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

United States Patent Publication No.: 2011/0134278 pertains to an image/audio data sensing module incorporated in a case of an electronic apparatus. The image/audio data sensing module comprises: at least one image sensor, for sensing an image datum; a plurality of audio sensors, for sensing at least one audio datum; a processor, for processing the image datum and the audio datum according to a control instruction set to generate a processed image data stream and at least one processed audio data stream, and combining the processed image data stream and the processed audio data stream to generate an output data stream following a transceiver interface standard; a transceiver interface, for receiving the control instruction set and transmitting the output data stream via a multiplexing process; and a circuit board, wherein the image sensor, the audio sensors and the transceiver interface are coupled to the circuit board, and the processor is provided on the circuit board.

United States Patent Publication No.: 2013/0044131 pertains to a method for revealing changes in settings of an analog control console, the method comprising: receiving a captured image of the analog control console; creating a composite image by superimposing the captured image and a live image of the analog control console; and displaying the composite image.

United States Patent Publication No.: 2013/0294618 pertains to a method and devices of sound volume management and control in the attended areas. According to the proposed method and system variants the sound reproducing system comprises: sounding mode appointment device, central station for audio signal transmittance; one or more peripheral stations for audio signal reception and playback; appliance for listener's location recognition; computing device for performing calculation concerning sounding parameters at the points of each listener's location and for performing calculation of controlling parameters for system tuning. The system can be operated wirelessly and can compose a local network.

Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present invention. Such devices fail to provide a device that can help develop a participant's knowledge in a multitude of different subject areas, while simultaneously engaging the participant physically. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes an audio control source; at least one cluster of at least one computing device, the at least one computing device including: a sound sensing mechanism, configured to sense a noise; and a wireless transceiver, configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source. The system further includes at least one output device, including: a power source for operating the output device; a speaker for outputting sound; and a communication mechanism, for receiving electronic information from the audio control source. The system additionally includes the audio control source, in electronic communication the at least one cluster and the at least one output device, the audio control source including: a memory, containing computer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least one cluster, and varying an output of the at least one output device, providing an interface; and a processor, for executing the computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions include: identifying one or more sounds within the noise; isolating the one or more sounds; determining is one or more of the one or more sounds includes a frequency outside of a predetermined threshold; if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold; and outputting the one or more sounds on the at least one output device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the system further includes an interfacing mechanism, the interfacing mechanism including: a network adapter, configured to transmit and receive electronic information through both wired and wireless communication; and at least one input mechanism, configured to: manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and vary the output of the at least one output device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is an omnidirectional transducer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an ultrasonic transducer and an infrasonic transducer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein energy sensing mechanisms is selected from the group consisting of a microwave transducer; and an electro-optical transducer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the sensed noise includes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the predetermined threshold equates to a frequency determined to pose a risk of harm to a human's body (e.g. a retina and blue lights from screens, loud noise and a user's hearing capabilities, RF exposure limits and electrosensitivity, millimeter waves and cell growth or heart variability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include: if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the notification is an audible notification.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the system further includes an in-ear device, wherein an audio output of the in-ear device auto-adjusts based on signal energy sensed within a cluster or surrounding clusters.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include panning the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include adding one or more audio effects to the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include equalizing the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system, wherein the altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold is performed automatically.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the system wherein the system is further configured to sense and/or analyze infra/ultra-sonic waves (e.g., mm waves), visible light (e.g. smart devices that have sensors that sense blue light from electronic screens and/or analyze and report prolonged exposure to the blue light) and radio waves.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of altering sensed noise prior to outputting the sensed noise is provided. The method includes providing at least one audio control source and providing at least one cluster of at least one computing device, the at least one computing device including: a sound sensing mechanism, configured to sense a noise; and a wireless transceiver, configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source; at least one output device, including: a power source for operating the output device; a speaker for outputting sound; and a communication mechanism, for receiving electronic information from the audio control source; and the audio control source, in electronic communication the at least one cluster and the at least one output device, the audio control source including: a memory, containing computer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least one cluster, and varying an output of the at least one output device, providing an interface; and a processor, for executing the computer-executable instructions. The method further includes identifying one or more sounds within the noise; isolating the one or more sounds; determining is one or more of the one or more sounds includes a frequency outside of a predetermined threshold; if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold; and outputting the one or more sounds on the at least one output device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the at least one computing device further includes: an interfacing mechanism, the interfacing mechanism including: a network adapter, configured to transmit and receive electronic information through both wired and wireless communication; and at least one input mechanism, configured to: manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and vary the output of the at least one output device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is an omnidirectional transducer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the predetermined threshold equates to a frequency determined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearing capabilities.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the method further includes, if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the notification is an audible notification.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the method further includes panning the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the method further includes adding one or more audio effects to the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the method further includes equalizing the sensed noise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the method, wherein the altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold is performed automatically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of one cluster of the present invention with some interfaced devices.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of how interfaced devices create a sound fingerprint.

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an embodiment of the system of the present invention engaging in inter-cluster, cluster-to-audio control source; and cluster-to-cluster data sharing.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-6 show a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows an illustration showing an embodiment of the present invention located in an automobile.

FIG. 7B shows an illustration showing an embodiment of the present invention located in an indoor theatre.

FIG. 7C shows an illustration showing an embodiment of the present invention located in an outdoor stadium.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

As a threshold matter, it should be noted that whenever the phrases “microphone” or “microphone-equipped” are used, it is intended to mean any device that is capable of detecting sound, not merely microphones. For example, a high-performance low frequency antenna connected to a software-defined radio may be used to input sound observations into the system, or a piezo-electric diagraph may be used to measure the vibrations the correspond to a given sound. These examples are provided to give greater clarity as to what the term “microphone” should be interpreted as, and not construed as a limiting example.

The system of the present invention operates by integrating clusters of various computing devices and wearable computers with sound management techniques and methods so that various sound “fingerprints” can be developed and used to visualize how sound is being perceived in micro-areas within a larger venue. In various embodiments, the system of the present invention can be integrated into an individual's home, vehicle audio system, concert venues, and other locations where sound is played. In addition, the system's components allow for the present invention to be scaled to accommodate sound management and monitoring control within the largest of venues such as stadiums and other sports arenas.

Due to the devices that are integrated into the system having the ability to sense the frequency and magnitude of audio signals, a sound fingerprint (summary) can be generated from deterministic methods. These fingerprints are then communicated to an audio control source and can subsequently be processed and used to communicate with external applications and things such as third-party sound databases. However, the purpose of this system is not to be confused. In addition to the sound fingerprinting ability of the present invention, it is also capable of utilizing a series of methods to sense and control audio output in various venues.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is located in a train or airport station that has an intercom system that functions poorly when noisy crowds are present. If an audio control source within these facilities is able to autonomously collect audio data via a series of integrated devices, then with the present invention, the same audio control source can adjust system outputs accordingly in order to make important intercom announcements intelligible. In yet another embodiment, a user can enter in EQ parameters in their integrated computing device to ensure that both the audio perceived by them, and the audio perceived by their device is in accordance with some predetermined parameters/settings. While many short-range wireless technologies can be used with the present invention, preferably one or more of the following technologies will be used: ANT+, Bluetooth, cellular, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.22, ISA 100a, Infrared, ISM (band), NFC, RFID, WPAN, UWS, WI-FI, Wireless HART, Wireless HD/USB, ZigBee, or Z-wave.

In yet another preferred embodiment, various in-ear systems may be integrated into the present invention, software-defined and/or cognitive-defined based in-ear transceivers can be used to wirelessly communicate with an audio control source and thus, the output of such an in-ear monitor can be autonomously adjusted after sensing audio output. A given output can be adjusted according to what is sensed within specified location or what is sensed at external clusters. Similarly to a software-defined and/or cognitive-defined based in-ear transceivers, an in-ear monitor system for use with the present invention will preferably comprise hardware such as, earphones, at least one body pack receiver, at least one mixer and at least one transmitter. These functions can also be adjusted and controlled via the audio control source of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the functions of the present invention include sensing and isolating frequency bands associated with musical instruments/human voices in the following order: midrange, highs, and lows. According to an embodiment, the functions further include separating like frequencies (panning). According to an embodiment, the functions additionally include balancing the volume, controlling the dynamic range of the frequencies sensed (compression), performing subtractive and additive equalization, and/or adding audio effects to provide additional depth and texture.

Loud noises can often lead to stress and hearing loss. For example, certain frequencies and volumes can cause stress in pets, and loud music and other forms of loud sounds have put approximately 1.1 billion young people at risk of suffering from hearing loss. Furthermore, military veterans are 30% more likely to suffer from severe hearing loss than non-veterans. In fact, according to the DoD's Hearing Center for Excellence (HCE), hearing loss is the most-widespread injury among returning veterans, driving hearing loss payments to exceed $2 billion in 2016. The present invention provides for an interdisciplinary and technologically advanced approach to hearing loss prevention.

It is important to note that noise pollution not only produces negative health outcomes for humans, but also, can produce negative outcomes for pets. Loud noises and obtrusive, artificial light negatively affect pets such as cats and dogs, and can eventually lead to abnormal behaviors, like excessive whining, trembling, barking and panting. These behaviors are a result of the pets trying to cope with the stress tied to phenomena within their environment, and if left unchecked, can cause panic disorders such as, e.g., separation anxiety, which is not healthy for both pet owners and pets. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method wherein at least one sound and/or light sensing device can be affixed or integrated into a pet wearable (e.g. dog collar).

Hearing loss can be considered an inevitable cost of military exercises and war. However, real-time alerts using mobile devices creates an opportunity to implement preventative measures, ultimately reducing hazardous exposure time and thus injury. Study considerations include, data sets, hearing loss incidents among veterans (on the rise), current preventative measures, gear, and equipment such as jet engines and other inherently noisy machinery. In summary, various embodiments of the present invention are in response to the DoD commitment to reduce the number of military personnel that suffer from hearing loss injury by 1) analyzing hazardous sounds in real-time 2) alerting service members using wearable mobile devices (new preventative technique).

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a mobile cluster-based apparatus that analyzes, reports, and controls outputs based on a range of inputs over a swath of frequency bands, with distinct applications including sound output control, hazardous millimeter-wave, blue light or RF detection and reporting, and ultrasonic and infrasonic wave detection and reporting. In a blue light sensing application, a wearable in close proximity to a user's retina (e.g. located on a collar of a smart jacket) can measure prolonged blue light retina exposure and report the issue back to the user.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is configurable and uses standard computing devices, such as wearables, tablets, and mobile phones, to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and adjust sound output, and in some cases, detect and report hazardous signals.

Each year, sound companies spend billions of dollars on audio technologies and audio research to find new ways to improve audio quality in performance settings. Proposed is an apparatus and method that creatively tackles the issue of poor audio quality and sound perception across various spaces by integrating consumer-based mobile devices, wearable computers and sound management systems. The ubiquitous computing devices in this method and apparatus senses soundwaves, associates sensed audio levels with specific clusters (locations), predicts whether or not an audio-related issue is likely to occur within a specific cluster (for instance, predicts if an echo is likely to occur), and adjusts audio intensity (and related EQs) accordingly to improve audio output quality.

Key features of the Mobile Cluster-Based Audio Adjusting Method and Apparatus include:

-   -   User/listener-based sound management and control     -   Scalable platform that can incorporate future tech—that is, new         functionalities can be added because the method and apparatus is         designed to seamlessly integrate additional components         including, but not limited to, software applications such as a         ‘sound preference’ application that sets user-based sound         perception settings on a mobile device or wearable computer.     -   Integrates with existing audio hardware and software—such as         in-ear systems, mixer boards and other related audio consoles     -   Autonomous audio sensing     -   Can be configured, manufactured and sold across different         industries (e.g. automobile or audio electronic industries)     -   Can be used in sound fingerprint and music         publishing/performance applications (e.g. in a performance         venue, fingerprint data can be sent directly to music publishing         entities from the described clusters     -   Can interface with various communication offerings such as         e-mail, SMS, and visual screens (for instance, communicative         updates can be sent with sensed audio measurements. A specific         example—an SMS that reads a “too loud in section A’/cluster A)     -   Can support a fixed or unfixed number of” “sensing units”

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of one cluster 101 of the present invention with some interfaced devices. Specifically, three embodiments of at least one computing device 102 are shown; wearable glasses, wearable watch, and a smartphone. It should be noted that while these three devices are listed as exemplary examples, any device with a sound sensing mechanism 150 and a way to transmit any recorded data is suitable for use as one of said at least one computing devices 102. According to an embodiment, the sound sensing apparatus may be an omnidirectional transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, an infrasonic transducer, a microwave transducer, and/or any other suitable sound sensing apparatus, while maintaining spirit of the present invention. The sound sensing mechanisms of at least one computing device 102 will be able convert perceived sounds into electronic signals so that the recorded information may be transmitted to neighboring clusters 101, or an audio control source (See FIG. 3), as desired. This data will be transmitted using either one or a combination of short-range wireless technologies, namely, ANT+, Bluetooth, cellular, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.22, ISA 100a, Infrared, ISM (band), NFC, RFID, WPAN, UWS, WI-FI, Wireless HART, Wireless HD/USB, ZigBee, or Z-wave. Preferably, transducers integrated into these computing devices have an output signal that is fed into the input of an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) and can incorporate software and cognitive-defined radios to broaden the selection of compatible wireless communication interfaces and limit radio component footprints. According to an embodiment, the at least one computing device 102 includes one or more wireless transceivers 155.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of how interfaced devices create a sound fingerprint. The sound transmission of the audio energy 109 sensed by the at least one computing device 102 propagates through air and is received by at least one computing device 102 using the transmission path outlined in FIG. 2.

Assuming that FIG. 2 depicts audio transmission in an indoor setting, at specified time intervals, each computing device measures the sound pressure level (SPL) and sound power level (SWL):

${SPL} = {{SWL} + {10\mspace{11mu} {\log \left\lbrack {\frac{Q_{\theta}}{4\; \pi \; r^{2}} + \frac{4}{R_{C}}} \right\rbrack}}}$ Where : SPL = Sound  pressure  level  dB SWL = Sound  power  level = 10  log₁₀(W/W_(ref)) W  is  the  total  sound  power  radiated  from  a  source  with  respect  to  a  reference  power  (W_(ref))  dBW  re  10⁻¹²  Watts.r = distance  from  source  m Q_(θ) = directivity  factor  of  the  source  in  the  direction  of  r S = total  surface  area  of  a  room  m² α_(av) = average  absorption  coefficient  in  a  room $R_{C} = {{{room}\mspace{14mu} {constant}} = {\frac{S\; \alpha_{av}}{1 - \alpha_{av}}m^{2}}}$

Over time, each computing device in FIG. 2 detects differences in pressure (i.e. change in pressure vs. time) and converts the differences into an electrical signal. A Fast Fourier Transform is implemented (locally or in a cloud) to measure the relative amplitudes of the frequencies ‘sensed’ and to perform other frequency domain analyses.

It is important to note that in any given indoor environment, R_(C), α_(av), and S can be predetermined and made available to each computing device, approximated or deemed negligible. Also note that each computing device in FIG. 2 has a microphone. Computing devices may also obtain sound observations via a high-performance low frequency antenna.

Turning to FIG. 3 an illustration of an embodiment of the system of the present invention engaging in intra-cluster, cluster-to-audio control source; and cluster-to-cluster data sharing. Here, each cluster has a given location 110 (i.e. specified location) to accurately isolate and associate the sensed data. In one embodiment, the present invention is able to adjust a given output device 160 based on its proximity to a given location 110 of a cluster. In alternative embodiments, output devices 160 can be adjusted based on their proximity to more than one cluster. Devices in each cluster can either communicate directly to each other or an audio control source 111, devices within a cluster can communicate to a single device within that cluster which can serve as a gateway to other clusters and/or audio control source 111. In some embodiments, the present invention further comprising an in-ear monitoring device 112. According to an embodiment, the output devices 160 may include a power source 165 (such as, e.g., a battery or other suitable power source 160), a speaker 170, a communication mechanism 175 (such as, e.g., a wired and/or wireless transceiver), and/or any other suitable mechanisms (as shown in FIG. 1). According to an embodiment, the audio control source 111 includes a memory 180, a processor 182, an interface mechanism 184, and/or at least one input mechanism 186. According to an embodiment, the interface mechanism 184 is a graphical user interface with a display (e.g., a touch screen display). According to an embodiment, the at least one output device 160 is located within said at least one cluster 101, such that said audio control source 111 may alter the power supplied to said speaker 170 in real-time.

The embodiment depicted here shows devices that sense audio signal energy within the confines of a single cluster and then sends data directly to an audio control unit and other clusters. Therefore, not only can these computing devices wirelessly share sensed data with each other, but, also, data can be shared with an audio control source 111 (for audio output management purposes) and other devices in other clusters. Depending on the audio signal energy sensed within a specific cluster(s), audio control source 111 adjusts any connected output devices in either a single cluster, or multiple clusters to ensure high quality/fidelity output.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of the present invention. Here, method 200 is comprised of a number of steps. In step 201, initially, both desired and undesired audio output signals are sensed and subsequently analyzed. In step 202, the method proceeds to determine whether or not the input signals match a set of predefined thresholds. If there is only negligible output audio, that is, if the audio within an environment is outside of a specified frequency range, the method proceeds to step 203 where the devices in each cluster operate in sleep mode. If there is indeed sensible audio output, the method proceeds to step 204 where the present invention determines if the predefined threshold or EQ setting is breached. If this threshold is breached, the method moves to step 205 where the first device that sensed the breach will (preferably, wirelessly) communicate its signal measurements to other devices within its cluster and the receiving device will conduct the same audio measurements to confirm the threshold breach. Preferably, step 205 is repeated amongst all of the devices within a single cluster, to provide more robust data sets. Once the breach confirmation stage is completed, in step 206, the present invention moved to step 207 where at least one computing device is chosen to communicate the breach to. Finally, in step 208, when the present invention, via the audio control source, adjusts audio levels at the at least one output device to transform undesired audio outputs to desired audio outputs.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a flowchart 300 of an embodiment of the present invention is illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the present invention isolates and/or separates sounds within band, reports findings of those sounds to a cloud-based system for audio signal processing (if necessary), and sends control commands to one or more commercial mixing consoles and/or audio control sources to alter the audio output (if necessary), and then communicate with apparatus devices to share and confirm sensed audio findings (if necessary). According to an embodiment, these sounds are associated with different frequencies and/or are associated with one or more instruments.

At step 305, audio/noise is sensed by one or more audio sensing devices. According to an embodiment, the one or more sensing devices are microphones.

At steps 310-315, the volume between the sensed audio is balanced. That is, one or more instruments and/or frequencies are identified and isolated from the sensed audio (at step 310), and the signal amplitude of each instrument is manipulated using a mixing console/audio source (at step 315). It is noted, however, that, at step 310, the identified sounds need not always be instruments. The sounds may be any suitable identifiable sounds, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the present system may sense different types of phenomena (e.g., it may sense audio using an audio transducer such as a microphone, it may include a smartwatch and/or other similar device that may be able to sense ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic transducer, and/or the system may incorporate one or more various suitable types of transducers). According to an embodiment, the system may be configured to sense environmental phenomena outside of the acoustic frequency range by using a variety of transducers. In those cases, the underlying functionality of the system generally remains the same, regardless of the input phenomena sensed. The system may measure the intensity of an acoustic wave, ultrasonic wave, infrasonic wave, and/or any other suitable waves.

According to an embodiment, the system may incorporate various input/output functions/details, such as those shown in Table 1. According to an embodiment, the system is configured to sense, analyze, and/or control audio outputs.

TABLE 1 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: Apparatus will isolate/separate sounds Network Interface Configured Sense audible within band, report findings to cloud- to: Control mixing console(s) sounds via mic or based system for audio signal and/or an audio control comparable audio processing (if necessary), send control source(s) via physical or sensing transducer commands to commercial mixing SDR-based transceiver(s)** console and/or audio control source to alter audio output (if necessary) and communicate with apparatus devices to share and confirm sensed audio findings (if necessary) 20-40 Hz Sub Bass *(Piano, Synthesizer Strings) kHz: 125/134 40-160 Hz Bass Band (Drums, Strings, Winds, MHz: 13.56/600/ Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 800/850/900/1700/1800/1900 160-300 Hz Upper Bass Band (Drums, Strings, 2100/2200/L700/U700/2300/ Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/ 300-800 Hz Low-Mid Band (Drums, Strings, Winds, whitespaces between 54 and 860/ Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) GHz: 3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300 800-2.5 kHz Mid-Range Band (Drums, Strings, 300 GHz to 430 THz Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 2.5-5 kHz Upper Mid Band (Drums, Strings, Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 5-10 kHz High Frequency Band (Drums - including Cymbals, Synthesizer) 10-20 kHz Ultra-High Freq Bands (Hi-Hat, Cymbals, Hiss)

It is also noted that the present invention may further have implications in sensing and analyzing millimeter waves, which the human ear cannot hear. Higher-frequency millimeter-waves can possibly have adverse effects on human health. According to an embodiment, the present system can (as shown in Table 2), in real-time, detect and report harmful, high-energy level millimeter waves, which are included in many 5G deployment plans.

TABLE 2 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: Sense Apparatus will detect, Network Interface Configured to: millimeter-waves via a analyze, measure and/or Report/share data via physical or mmWave transducer report harmful SDR-based transceiver(s)** millimeter-waves across several environments 24 to 300 GHz Identify and measure kHz: 125/134 millimeter-wave MHz: 13.56/600/800/850/900/ characteristics 1700/1800/19002100/2200/L700/U700/2300/ 2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/ whitespaces between 54 and 860/ GHz: 3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300 300 GHz to 430 THz

Weaponized infrasonic and ultrasonic devices with highly directional energy transmissions can produce both psychological and physical effects on humans. In addition, blue light (short wavelength) emitted from displays is harmful to the retina. For this reason, a light sensing transducer is a part of the apparatus described herein. According to an embodiment, the present system can, in real-time, detect and report harmful infrasonic and ultrasonic devices in weaponized scenarios. According to an embodiment, the apparatus described can (as shown in Table 3), in real-time, detect and report harmful infrasonic and ultrasonic devices in weaponized scenarios.

TABLE 3 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: Sense Apparatus will detect, Network Interface infrasonic, ultrasonic analyze, measure and/or Configured to: waves, and/or light waves report on harmful ultrasonic Report/share data via via an ultrasonic, infrasonic or infrasonic waves across physical or SDR-based or electro-optical several environments transceiver(s) transducer 18.9 Hz, 0.3 Hz, 7 Hz and Identify and measure kHz: 125/134 9 Hz ultrasonic, infrasonic or MHz: 13.56/600/ 700 kHz to 3.6 MHz visible wave characteristics 800/850/900/1700/1800/1900 20 to 200 kHz 2100/2200/L700/U700/ 400-770 THz 2300/2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/ whitespaces between 54 and 860/ GHz: 3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300 300 GHz to 430 THz At step 320, it is determined whether the sensed audio includes any audio in frequencies that have been predetermined to be hazardous to human ears. According to an embodiment, if audio in the hazardous range has been detected, then one or more users are notified, at step 325. The notification may take the form of a visual notification, an audible notification, and/or any other suitable form of notification. It is noted, however, that, if automatically corrected, the user need not always be notified.

According to an embodiment, at step 330, the dynamic range of the sensed audio (compressed or limiting) is controlled by sending audio data to a mixing console/audio source or cloud-based system that can identify and mitigate sudden peaks in a sensed audio stream to help sound(s) sit consistently in an audio mix (accomplished by removing sudden peaks). Altering the dynamic range may also be used to eliminate any audio in the predetermined hazardous range. At step 335, the audio is panned. That is, like frequencies in the sensed audio are separated.

At step 340, effects that add depth and texture to audio outputs are added and, at step 345, equalization is added using subtractive and/or additive equalization techniques.

According to an embodiment, at step 350, automation is generated that predicts environmental conditions based on sensed data (like echoes and audio wind steers) and, at step 355, volume changes and audio effects are autonomously programmed, accordingly.

According to an embodiment, the present invention includes acoustic band applications. Consumer products, such as, e.g., wearables, smartphones, and other portable computing devices autonomously control sound output(s) in private spaces (e.g. cars and homes) and public spaces (e.g. transport stations and theater/concert venues). According to an embodiment, the present system senses audible sounds via a mic or comparable audio sensing transducer and isolates/separates sounds within certain bands, reports findings to cloud-based system(s) for audio signal processing, sends control commands to a commercial mixing console and/or audio control source to alter audio output, and communicates with cluster devices to share and confirm sensed audio findings. According to an embodiment, the present system outputs to control mixing console(s) and/or an audio control source(s) via physical or SDR-based transceiver(s).

According to an embodiment, the present system senses and analyzes audio frequencies across clusters to adjust and control audio output and perceived sound at a given locale. In order to achieve high-quality sound and sound equalization of a sonic presentation, a sound system's audio output levels are autonomously adjusted via a central audio mixing source using intelligent tell-tale frequency characteristics gathered from clusters comprised of smart devices and/or wearable computers.

According to an embodiment, the audio signal data obtained within clusters enables a system integrated mixing console to manage audio output based on detailed frequency descriptions of acoustic properties and characteristics across a venue, room, or vehicle. According to an embodiment, the present system incorporates a modular structure so that components can be added and expand as consumer needs grow.

According to an embodiment, the present system provides for an apparatus that is configured to adjust and control audio output signal levels across multiple cluster locales using computing devices such as smartphones and/or wearable computers; a wireless transmission platform; transceivers—software-defined, cognitive-defined and/or hardware-defined; wireless microphones; in-ear monitors—software-defined, cognitive-defined and/or hardware-defined; and a central audio mixing source.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, the following functions:

-   -   Balancing the volume between sensed audio. For example,         isolating instruments based on frequency and manipulating the         signal amplitude of each instrument using a mixing console/audio         source.     -   Controlling the dynamic range of the sensed audio (compress or         limiting) by sending audio data to a mixing console/audio source         or cloud-based system that can identify and mitigate sudden         peaks in a sensed audio stream to help sounds sit consistently         in an audio mix (accomplished by removing sudden peaks).     -   Panning.     -   Adding effects that add depth and texture to audio outputs.     -   Equalization using subtractive/additive equalization techniques.     -   Automation that 1) predicts environmental conditions based on         sensed data (like echoes and audio wind steers) and 2)         autonomously programs volume changes and audio effects         accordingly.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, various embodiments of the present invention implemented in an automobile, an indoor theatre, and an outdoor stadium, respectively, are shown. While these venues are particularly suited for the present invention to be implemented in any venue in which there are multiple listeners.

In a preferred embodiment, the sound sensing mechanisms (preferably, transducers) used within each “sensing” computer/device outputs an output signal that is fed into the input of an ADC. In the configurations described in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, a single-ended ADC interface can be used effectively since ADCs and the transducer source are both located on the same integrated circuit board. However, since fully differential interfaces have performance gains over single-ended inputs due to its inherent noise rejection characteristics, using a fully-directional interface instead of a single-ended interface may be desirable.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of the present invention. Here, method 400 is comprised of a number of steps. According to an embodiment, the method as shown and described in FIG. 8 showcases the method steps of a system that measures the intensity of phenomena and its purpose is to sense, analyze, report, and, in some cases, control invisible phenomena. These invisible phenomena can include, e.g., ultrasonic waves, audio waves, infrasonic waves, mm waves etc. (using ultrasonic transducers, infrasonic transducers, microwave transducers, among others, and associated software for these applications).

As in method 200 of FIG. 4, initially, both desired and undesired audio output signals are sensed and subsequently analyzed. It is then determined whether or not the input signals match a set of predefined thresholds. If there is only negligible output audio, that is, if the audio within an environment is outside of a specified frequency range, the devices in each cluster operate in sleep mode, step 402. If there is indeed sensible audio output, the method proceeds to step 401 where the present invention determines if the predefined threshold or EQ setting is breached. If this threshold is not breached, the device operates in sleep mode 402. If this threshold is breached, the method moves on to step 403, where it is determined whether the device has a navigation unit. According to an embodiment, devices in the system can auto-awaken out of sleep mode based on the location of the device (e.g. when a user walks into a concert venue, the system will begin measuring surrounding signal energy).

If the device does not have a navigation unit, the method moves to step 404, where a breach severity measurement is determined. Once the breach severity measurement is determined, the method moves to step 405, where it is determined whether there is an onset issue.

If there is an onset issue, the method moves to step 406, in which any data and/or findings are reported and/or displayed. Once the data and/or findings are reported and/or displayed, the device returns to sleep mode, step 402.

If there is not an onset issue, the method moves to step 407, wherein a time window is calculated at which any sensed data was determined to be unacceptable. Once this time window is calculated, the method moves to step 408, wherein breaches within the calculated time window are collected and/or analyzed. Once the breaches within the calculated time window are collected and/or analyzed, the method moves to step 409, wherein it is determined whether there were consistent breaches during the time window. If there were consistent breaches during the time window, the method moves to step 406. If there were not consistent breaches during the time window, the device goes back to sleep mode, step 402.

If the device has a navigation unit, the method moves to step 410, wherein breach severity measurements with the device's location are determined. Once the breach severity measurements with the device's location are determined, the method moves to step 411, wherein it is determined whether the device's location at the time of the breach lessened the severity of the breach. If the device's location at the time of the breach did not lessen the severity, the method moves to step 405, wherein it is determined whether there is an onset issue. If the device's location at the time of the breach did lessen the severity, the method moves to step 412, wherein an analysis takes place in which location and machine learning insights are factored into the threshold breach calculations. The method then moves to step 413, where it is determined if the breach is still an issue. If the breach is still an issue, the method moves to step 405, wherein it is determined whether there is an onset issue. If the breach is not still an issue, the device goes back to sleep mode, step 402.

According to an embodiment, environmental measurements may be skewed depending on the device's location (e.g., in a bag, in a pocket, etc.). According to an embodiment, the location of the device is detected, and, in these cases, the system will either account for signal degradation in the measurement or disable environmental measurements based on predefined thresholds. According to an embodiment, smart devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.) will use an accelerometer and/or light sensor and/or a temperature sensor to detect whether or not the smart device is directly exposed to phenomena (i.e. whether or not the device is in a bag or pocket).

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an audio control source; at least one cluster of at least one computing device, the at least one computing device including: a sound sensing mechanism, configured to sense a noise; and a wireless transceiver, configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source; at least one output device, including: a power source for operating the output device; a speaker for outputting sound; and a communication mechanism, for receiving electronic information from the audio control source; and the audio control source, in electronic communication the at least one cluster and the at least one output device, the audio control source including: a memory, containing computer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least one cluster, and varying an output of the at least one output device, providing an interface; and a processor, for executing the computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions include: identifying one or more sounds within the noise; isolating the one or more sounds; determining is one or more of the one or more sounds includes a frequency outside of a predetermined threshold; if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold; and outputting the one or more sounds on the at least one output device.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an interfacing mechanism, the interfacing mechanism including: a network adapter, configured to transmit and receive electronic information through both wired and wireless communication; and at least one input mechanism, configured to: manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and vary the output of the at least one output device.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is an omnidirectional transducer.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: an ultrasonic transducer; an infrasonic transducer: and a microwave transducer.
 5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the sensed noise includes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves.
 6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold equates to a frequency determined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearing capabilities.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include: if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold.
 8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions further include steps selected from the group consisting of: panning the sensed noise; and equalizing the sensed noise.
 9. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an in-ear device, wherein an audio output of the in-ear device auto-adjusts based on signal energy sensed within a cluster or surrounding clusters.
 10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold is performed automatically.
 11. A method of altering sensed noise prior to outputting the sensed noise, comprising: providing at least one audio control source; providing at least one cluster of at least one computing device, the at least one computing device including: a sound sensing mechanism, configured to sense a noise; a wireless transceiver, configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source; at least one output device, including: a power source for operating the output device; a speaker for outputting sound; and a communication mechanism, for receiving electronic information from the audio control source; and the audio control source, in electronic communication the at least one cluster and the at least one output device, the audio control source including: a memory, containing computer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least one cluster, and varying an output of the at least one output device, providing an interface; and a processor, for executing the computer-executable instructions; identifying one or more sounds within the noise; isolating the one or more sounds; determining is one or more of the one or more sounds includes a frequency outside of a predetermined threshold; if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold; and outputting the one or more sounds on the at least one output device.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least one computing device further includes: an interfacing mechanism, the interfacing mechanism including: a network adapter, configured to transmit and receive electronic information through both wired and wireless communication; and at least one input mechanism, configured to: manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and vary the output of the at least one output device.
 13. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: an omnidirectional transducer; an ultrasonic transducer; an infrasonic transducer; an electro-optical transducer; and a microwave transducer.
 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the sensed noise includes infrasonic, ultrasonic, visible, or radio waves.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the predetermined threshold equates to a frequency determined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearing capabilities.
 16. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising: if one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold, notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency outside of the predetermined threshold.
 17. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising: panning the sensed noise.
 18. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising: adding one or more audio effects to the sensed noise.
 19. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising: equalizing the sensed noise.
 20. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the altering the one or more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold is performed automatically. 